Prime Minister Maliki of Iraq Expresses Appreciation for the Activities of the Self-Defence Forces

June 22, 2006

In response to Prime Minister Koizumi's statement on June 20, Prime Minister Maliki of Iraq sent a statement to the Japanese Embassy in Iraq. The gist of the statement is as follows:

1. The Government of the Republic of Iraq expresses its appreciation for the activities of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces in the Governorate of Al-Muthanna. The Self-Defence Forces has contributed to humanitarian and reconstruction assistance in Iraq.
2. The Government of the Republic of Iraq also expresses its appreciation to the Government of Japan, the Japanese people, and the families of the Self-Defence Forces personnel who were dispatched to Iraq.
3. The Iraqi security forces will take over security responsibilities in the Governorate of Al-Muthanna from next month.

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